Google is reportedly nearing a deal to acquire live video-streaming platform Twitch for $1 billion. The Wall Street Journal reports that the discussions are early and that “a deal isn’t imminent,” however Variety says that deal will close imminently. Variety also claims that the deal will be an all-cash offer. If the deal finalizes, it would boost the live-streaming section of the Google-owned YouTube.
Twitch was launched in 2011 and currently has more than 1 million unique users broadcasting on its platform every month. Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Microsoft’s Xbox One has got Twitch functionality integrated into. Having Twitch under its arms, YouTube can fill the gap in terms of live streaming and emerge even strongly. Spokespeople for both YouTube and Twitch has declined to comment.
SOURCE: Variety, The Wall Street Journal
